Claritin

Generic Claritin - Anti Allergic Medicine to Treat Allergies

Description

Generic Claritin is a medication used to treat year-round or seasonal allergic rhinitis. This medication is an antihistamine drug that relieves the allergic symptoms of chronic idiopathic hives and itching dermatoses. It can be used in treatment of allergic conjunctivitis. This anti-allergic medication reduces the watering of eyes in allergic conjunctivitis. It contains Loratadine as the active constituent. It relieves the symptoms of hay fever that is seasonal rhinitis and the common cold, including nasal and sinus congestion. This drug causes very less sedation in comparison to other antihistamine drugs thus it has no effect on the central nervous system.

Action Mechanism

Time it takes to start working: Process starts immediately after consuming the pill.

Generic Claritin works by reducing the levels of histamines that are released by the immune system of our body, which lead to the sneezing, runny nose, itching, and watery eyes.

In the preliminary step it proceeds by preventing the progression of allergic reactions.

Its active constituent inactivates the effect of the immune system against the allergen.

In the next step, it starts working by reducing the symptoms of the allergies.

The working of the drug is different than other anti-allergic medicines because it has no effect on the central nervous system. You can use this drug; however’ it is recommended to consult the doctor before taking it.

Dosage

In a day a 10mg pill of generic Claritin is prescribed and should be swallowed as a whole with a glass of water.

In children from 2 - 5 years of age the recommended dosage is 5 mg/day.

Always stick to the prescription.

It should be taken on an empty stomach or at least 1-2 hours before meal.

Overdose of generic Claritin can induce serious side effects.

NOTE: The general health of an individual is the deciding factor of the dosage. It is decided by a doctor based on the severity of the allergic reactions and alternate medications. For any increase in dosage, a doctor must be consulted. Please avoid taking overdose of this medication as an overdose for long duration may result into coma and heart disorders. Missing dosages on a regular basis can result in the delay in treatment. Hence dosage must be strictly followed.

Precautions

Inform doctor if you are allergic to desloratadine, loratadine (Claritin), or any other medications before you start the dosage of this drug.

Inform your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking before you take this medication.

It is FDA pregnancy category B drug: This drug is harmless to an unborn baby. Please consult your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during generic Claritin treatment. Nursing mothers should not take the dosage of this drug because it pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. Nursing mother should decide whether to continue the breast feeding or the dosage of this medication.

Special care should be taken while giving this anti-allergic medication to the elderly patients.

It should not be given to the babies below 2 years of age.

Inform your doctor if you are taking sleeping pills, tranquilizers, and vitamins.

Side Effects

Common Effects of Generic Claritin:

Back pain

Headache problems

Your throat may get sore

Muscle aches

Tiredness

Stomach upset

NOTE: These are some common side effects of Generic Claritin, which if persists for a longer time, should be brought under your doctor’s notification. However, there are some serious side effects such as difficulty in breathing, shortness of breath, dizziness, increased rate of heart beats, difficulty in urinating, convulsions or hives. If any of such symptoms are noticed then immediate doctor’s advice is crucial.

Warnings

If the symptoms do not get better within a few days or if they become worse after taking generic Claritin for long period, check with your doctor.

Do not take this medication if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid, phenelzine or tranylcypromine in the last 14 days.

This drug has not been approved for use by children younger than 12 years of age.

A heart medication such as propranolol, metoprolol, digoxin, reserpine, or methyldopa should not be taken in combination with generic Claritin.